The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

• Fraud Allegations

  • Claims Somali-American individuals and organizations misappropriated billions in taxpayer funds, especially COVID-era aid programs like school meal initiatives.
  • References the Feeding Our Future scandal, estimating losses at $300 million and citing lavish spending (luxury cars, Maldives honeymoon, $270k cash box).

• Federal Investigations

  • States the Treasury Department, IRS, and FinCEN are increasing scrutiny on money transfer services and businesses wiring funds abroad, particularly to Somalia.

• Terrorism Links

  • Some funds may have reached Al Shabab, but no defendants have been charged with terrorism-related crimes.

1. Welfare Usage Among Somali Refugees

• Based on Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) data analyzed by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS):
  • 81% of Somali-headed households in Minnesota use one or more forms of welfare.
  • Breakdown:
    • 27% on cash welfare
    • 54% on food stamps
    • 73% on Medicaid
• For households with children, the numbers are even higher:
  • 89% on welfare
  • 86% on Medicaid
  • 62% on food stamps
  • 23% on cash welfare
• Comparison: Native-born Minnesotans have much lower rates (e.g., 21% on any welfare, 6% on cash welfare).
• Additional disparities:
  • 66% of Somali refugees live in or near poverty vs. 20% of native-born Minnesotans.
  • Language barrier: ~60% of Somali refugees speak English poorly.
  • Education gap: ~40% lack a high school diploma.

2. Broader Immigration and Housing Impact

• Includes remarks from HUD Secretary Scott Turner linking illegal immigration to housing affordability issues.
• Claims:
  • 12+ million illegal immigrants have strained housing supply.
  • 59% of illegal immigrant families use welfare, costing $42 billion annually.
  • Immigrants account for 100% of rental growth and over half of owner-occupied housing growth in states like California and New York.
• HUD report warns that unchecked immigration could price Americans out of housing markets.

1. National Security Concerns

• We open with alarming claims that 18,000 known or suspected terrorists have entered the U.S. during the Biden administration, allegedly due to lax border security.
• The source cited is testimony from Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing.
• Specific examples include Afghan nationals linked to terrorist organizations who entered under the Operation Allies Welcome program.
• The conversation emphasizes the risks posed by "got-aways" (migrants who evade border patrol) and criticizes the administration for prioritizing politics over security.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and U.S. Leadership

• The second segment focuses on President Trump’s executive order aimed at centralizing AI regulation to prevent fragmented state-level rules.
• Senator Cruz frames AI as the “economic battle of the 21st century”, comparing it to the U.S. winning the internet race in the 1990s.
• Whoever leads in AI will shape global values—either American principles of liberty or China’s model of surveillance and control.
• Trump’s remarks highlight the need for a single federal approval system to accelerate AI development and maintain U.S. dominance.

3. Designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a Terrorist Organization

• Senator Cruz advocates for legislation to designate the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates as terrorist organizations.
• He explains a shift from a top-down approach (targeting the global organization) to a bottom-up strategy (starting with affiliates like Hamas).
• The discussion notes bipartisan support but criticizes the House for weakening the bill.
• Cruz stresses that allies such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have already designated the group as a terrorist organization.

• U.S. authorities, including the Coast Guard, FBI, Homeland Security, and Navy, seized the tanker in a coordinated operation. Video footage of the boarding was released publicly.
• Official Justification: The seizure was based on violations of U.S. sanctions and links to illicit oil networks supporting sanctioned entities, including Iran.
• Venezuelan Reaction: The Maduro government condemned the action as “international piracy” and a violation of sovereignty, vowing to raise the issue in international forums.
• Geopolitical Impact: The incident escalated U.S.-Venezuela tensions, contributed to rising global oil prices, and raised questions about potential military escalation.
• Media Coverage: CNN and Fox News-while some portray the move as controversial, analysts argue it is consistent with past U.S. actions against Iranian oil tankers.